L-Arginine for Women, Fertility and Sexual Arousal

L-arginine is a dietary supplement that is sometimes used to promote female libido and fertility. Taking L-arginine for women is said to promote sexual arousal, potentially by increasing circulation to the genitals. Topical L-arginine creams and gels are also used for male and female sexual dysfunction.

There has been significantly more research into the pro-sexual effects of L-arginine supplements for men compared to women. Most of the evidence for its effectiveness is based on anecdotal reviews and case reports from physicians.

L-arginine may act as an aphrodisiac because it is a substrate for nitric oxide synthesis. Nitric oxide serves as a signaling molecule for numerous biological functions, including the relaxation of smooth muscle tissue, vasodilation of circulatory endothelia, inhibition of platelet aggregation, ammonia detoxification and metabolism of energy precursors inside the organs.

Preliminary research indicates a relationship between L-arginine and fertility, cardiovascular health, pulmonary function, immune-modulation and various other health outcomes. However, many uses of L-arginine for women’s health are still not substantiated by definitive scientific evidence.

L-arginine was first isolated in 1886. It is classified as a semi-essential amino acid, meaning that although the body can synthesize it, increasing L-arginine intake is sometimes necessary for physiological function. This can be achieved via dietary intake modifications and/or supplementation.

L-arginine supplementation is generally well tolerated when conducted appropriately. For enhancing sexual function in men, 5g of L-arginine has been used daily for six weeks. A similar dosage may be effective for increasing libido in women.

For increasing fertility, 16g of this amino acid has been used daily in women with fertility challenges. This dosage resulted in improved ovarian response, endometrial receptivity, and pregnancy rate.

While there have not been any studies on its effects for female sexual function, it also works by increasing nitric oxide levels and should theoretically result in similar effects as L-arginine.

L-Arginine for Female Fertility

More research has been conducted on the relationship of L-arginine and male fertility than female fertility.

Although there is no conclusive evidence from clinical trials that supports L-arginine as a fertility enhancer for women, there are several ways which it affects sexual function in both men and women. These effects are mainly related to improvements in blood flow related to elevated nitric oxide levels.

L-arginine may help support reproductive health in women by increasing blood delivery to the ovaries, uterus and genitals. In general, more blood flowing to the reproductive organs improves the probabilities of conception.

As a precursor to nitric oxide, L-arginine may help reduce cases of inflammation. PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), fibroids, endometriosis and other fertility issues are less likely to develop when inflammation is limited or reduced. Inflammation of the reproductive organs is known to have a negative effect on the capacity to conceive.

Five percent of women dealing with infertility issues experience abnormal production of cervical mucus. Cervical mucus is used to assist sperm in their journey to reach the female eggs.

If there is not enough cervical mucus, the sperm are less likely to travel efficiently. If the cervical mucus is too thick, the sperm will not be able to travel through it.

By increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, the formation of cervical mucus is improved, which may help support conception.

Finally, when taking L-arginine for fertility, both men and women experience greater blood delivery to the genitalia. Increased blood flow has been associated with improved libido in both sexes.

More Information about L-Arginine for Women

As stated, L-arginine is semi-essential, which means that in most cases it can be made in adequate amounts by the body. In other cases, it can be beneficial to increase L-arginine levels through the diet, or by consuming a quality L-arginine supplement.

Some examples of conditions that may respond to extra L-arginine include:

Protein malnutrition and/or excessive ammonia production;

Excessive intake of lysine and/or peritoneal dialysis;

Burns, infections and/or rashes;

Rapid growth disorders, especially in infants;

Sepsis and/or disorders pertaining to the production or urea.

If you feel you may be deficient in L-arginine, be mindful for developing symptoms, such as hair loss, skin rashes, constipation, inability to heal wounds and/or jaundice.

Safety of L-Arginine for Women

Natural Medicines rates L-arginine as possibly safe when taken for up to three consecutive months, provided the doses are delivered orally and in the appropriate amounts. L-arginine affects various body systems and induces numerous biological and psychological effects.

Although unlikely, there are side effects associated with L-arginine supplementation. Also, there are possible interactions between L-arginine and various prescriptions medications.

Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking L-arginine, to support female fertility or for any other reason, to be sure that it is safe for your unique health situation.

OVERVIEW: L-Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that is involved in the production of Nitric Oxide. However, due to low oral bioavailability, it is often recommended to use L-Citrulline supplements instead. READ MORE...

MECHANISM: Endogenous L-Arginine increases the synthesis of Nitric Oxide. This is a vasodilator (causes blood vessels to dilate), which increases blood flow throughout the body. May also increase Growth Hormone levels. READ MORE...

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